CAF unanimously backs Gianni Infantino for fourth FIFA term in 2027

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously agreed to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term in the 2027 election. This decision was formalised following a meeting held prior to the upcoming FIFA Congress in Vancouver, marking a significant consolidation of backing for the Swiss-Italian official among continental bodies.

The announcement aligns CAF with CONMEBOL, which pledged its support earlier in April. Together, these continental confederations are positioning Infantino to seek re-election next year, a move that hinges on a specific interpretation of FIFA statutes rather than a general amendment to the governing rules.

Under standard regulations, the presidency is limited to three terms. However, the eligibility for a fourth term relies on a ruling that excludes Infantino's initial partial tenure, spanning from 2016 to 2019, from the count. This period began when Infantino assumed leadership in the wake of the corruption scandal that ousted his predecessor, Sepp Blatter.

Infantino was subsequently re-elected in 2019 and 2023, completing two full terms. The legal distinction regarding his first partial term allows him to stand again in 2027 without violating the statutory limit. CAF confirmed that this ruling is the basis for their unanimous agreement to back his candidacy.

The final outcome of the 2027 FIFA Congress remains to be determined, as this report covers only the pre-congress pledges. While CAF and CONMEBOL have set a clear path forward, the response from other continental confederations and the ultimate voting results at the Vancouver Congress are yet to be seen.

No direct quotes were provided by Infantino or CAF officials regarding the strategic reasoning behind the unanimous vote. The decision stands as a procedural affirmation of support, grounded in the specific legal interpretation of his past service.